In-depth discussion of common crimes and possible defenses. Explanation of defendants' constitutional rights, description of the process from arrest to trial and beyond, overview of the juvenile justice system, and more.

Many people believe that if they are arrested and not "read their rights," they can escape punishment. Not true. But if the police fail to read a suspect his or her rights, the prosecutor can't use anything the suspect says as evidence against the suspect at trial.

A person's first thought upon landing in jail is often how to get out -- and fast. The usual way to do this is to "post bail". Bail is cash or a cash equivalent that an arrested person gives to a court to ensure that he will appear in court when ordered to do so. If the defendant appears in court at the proper time, the court refunds the bail. But if the defendant doesn't show up, the court keeps the bail and issues a warrant for the defendant's arrest.

Even the most well-intentioned prosecutors file charges against innocent suspects occasionally. Regardless of the reason charges were filed, innocent defendants want to know what they—or preferably, their lawyers—can do to avoid a conviction. So, other than going to trial, how can defendants avoid a guilty plea or verdict?

Disorderly conduct (also called "disturbing the peace" in some states) is a crime that usually involves some kind of offensive or disruptive public activity. Criminal statutes in some states include public intoxication as one kind of behavior that can be considered disorderly conduct. In other states, public intoxication is a separate criminal offense, while the laws in other jurisdictions might include a crime called "drunk and disorderly" conduct. This article highlights disorderly conduct and public intoxication laws.

Manslaughter is an unlawful killing that doesn’t involve malice aforethought—intent to seriously harm or kill, or extreme, reckless disregard for life. The absence of malice aforethought means that manslaughter involves less moral blame than either first or second degree murder.

Nolo's Criminal Law Center covers criminal procedure, including topics like search and seizure and self-incrimination, in detail. The federal constitution as interpreted by the United States Supreme Court is the starting point for our coverage of "crim pro."